STICK, EMERY... OR TWIST

Villa boss now facing his 'Moscow' moment What comes first, fourth place or Euro glory?

- NEIL MOXLEY

THERE is every chance this won't turn out to be Unai Emery's 'Moscow' moment.

But if this result contributes towards Aston Villa's failure to reach the Champions League, it will be remembered as such.

Fifteen years ago, then manager Martin O'Neill rested several key players for a UEFA Cup trip to CSKA in Russia.

Villa were third, seven points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal. But when they returned and resumed their Premier League duties, a second-half collapse against Stoke City sparked an eight-game streak without a win.

O'Neill's side failed to cement their position in the top four. It was as close as the club has come to breaking into the elite. Fast-forward to last week's trip to the Etihad and Emery rested several players such as Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Leon Bailey. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez was reportedly ill.

Villa were able to put last season's Treble winners under pressure for a long period, prompting 'what if... questions among the fan base after.

But Emery (above) stuck to his guns and remained unrepentant about his choice.

He said: "Last Wednesday was important for the team to allow some players to play and grow with experience.